Garage break-ins on the rise: a closer look at the motives behind these thefts
Improving Garage Security: A Comprehensive Guide
In an effort to prevent car and valuable item theft, it's essential to bolster the security of your garage. By implementing a combination of physical barriers, smart technology, and visibility enhancements, you can create multiple barriers to entry that significantly reduce the risk of garage theft while enabling prompt detection and response.
1. Keep the garage door closed and locked at all times
Using a smart garage door system that automatically closes, locks, and alerts you if left open reduces the opportunity for theft. This simple measure can make a significant difference in maintaining the security of your garage.
2. Reinforce the garage door physically
Strengthening door panels, installing protective plates over emergency release latches, and securing door frames help prevent forced entry. These measures increase the resistance of your garage door, making it harder for potential burglars to gain access.
3. Install motion sensor lights
Motion sensor lights around garage entrances can illuminate the area if someone approaches, deterring burglars who want to avoid being seen. This simple addition can provide an effective deterrent and help you keep an eye on your garage's surroundings.
4. Use a smart lock or smart garage door opener
Smart locks and garage door openers allow for monitoring, remote control, automatic locking, access notifications, and temporary access codes for trusted users. These devices provide an added layer of security and convenience, making it easier to manage who has access to your garage.
5. Cover or obscure garage windows
Window films or coverings prevent thieves from seeing valuables stored inside and hide the location of emergency release latches. By obstructing their view, you can make it more difficult for potential burglars to target your garage.
6. Add security cameras
Installing security cameras to monitor all garage activity can deter criminals and provide footage for law enforcement in case of a break-in. These devices can help you keep an eye on your garage at all times, providing peace of mind and increased security.
7. Secure valuable items inside the garage
Store expensive tools, bikes, and equipment in locked cabinets or tool chests to avoid drawing theft attention. By keeping your valuables out of sight, you can make it less appealing for potential burglars to target your garage.
Additional Measures for Communal Garages
- In communal garages, people with wire fences around their security cages should line the cage with plastic sheeting or similar to deter potential thieves.
- Ensuring side entry doors and gates are secured with a deadlock is important.
- Not letting a car follow you through a gate into a garage unless you are sure that they are a resident can help improve security in communal garages.
- Basement car parks in communal garages are particularly susceptible to theft from storage cages and unlocked cars.
Tips from the Experts
- Victoria Police recommends using good quality locks on external garage doors and windows, and installing an automatic garage door closer or lock.
- Neighborhood Watch Victoria Chief Executive Officer Bambi Gordon advises against leaving the garage remote in the car and to always lock the door between the garage and home.
Understanding the Threat
- Burglars typically spend just eight minutes or less conducting the burglary.
- Most exterior garage side doors do not require much force to break into, even when locked.
- Burglars are narrowing their targets down to a specific street or area.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of garage theft and ensure the safety of your valuable possessions. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and enjoy peace of mind.
1. Consider expanding security measures beyond the garage A well-rounded home security strategy includes a focus on ['lifestyle', 'general news'] by staying informed about local crime trends and patterns, allowing you to adjust security measures accordingly.
2. Connect home-and-garden improvements to overall security When beautifying your home and garden, ['home-and-garden'] consider planting shrubs strategically to naturally hide security cameras or provide additional darkness for motion sensor lights, enhancing your security measures.
